Chito Victolero admits constant import changes hounded Magnolia

Still, Victolero is proud of his boys for showing up in a ‘dogfight’

ANTIPOLO – The constant changing of imports obviously took its toll on Magnolia’s campaign in the PBA Governors Cup which came to an abrupt ending Saturday after Rain or Shine won their do-or-die game, 113-103, at the Ynares Center.

Victolero said the Hotshots have already settled on replacement import Shabazz Muhammad only to be stymied by a knee injury that forced management to look for a last-minute replacement amidst the approaching playoffs.

Muhammad took over the spot of original choice Glenn Robinson III.

“We’re settled with Shabazz. He can give us a good option because of the experience and the talent. But of course, hindi namin inaasahan na magkaka-injury siya. So we need to get another. And yun ang nagpahirap sa amin,” said Victolero as he looked back at the import woes that hounded the team.

The Hotshots brought in Rayvonte Rice, but was dismissed just after two games before they settled with ex-Boston Celtic Jabari Rice.

Rice finished with 25 points and 15 rebounds and had 11 points in the fourth quarter in a losing cause in Game 5.

“We found someone na makakatulong sa amin, and we’re very thankful to Jabari for the opportunity na makalaro siya sa amin plus the fact na he gave everything. Makikita mo naman kung gaano kaganda yung nilaro niya at kung gaano niya kagusto (na manalo),” said Victolero.

But Victolero is not taking anything away against the Elasto Painters, who won the series, 3-2, and will face fellow top seed TNT Tropang Giga in the best-of-seven semis.

At the same time, the Magnolia coach is grateful at how the Hotshots gave Rain or Shine a big scare especially in the opening half when they led by as much as 23-11 behind the hot hands of Bird, Jerrick Ahanmis, and Calvin Abueva.

“It was a good run. Pero siyempre gusto pa rin naman na pumunta sa semis and make it deep into the playoffs,” said Victolero.

“But it was a dogfight until the end. I’m still proud of my boys because even if we’re undermanned and foul troubled, we still gave Rain or Shine a good fight.”

Magnolia played without sophomore big man Zavier Lucero, while Aris Dionisio fouled out late in the game. Both Bird and Abueva nursed five fouls.

Victolero said the team will take a break for the next three weeks before returning to practice for the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup.